Step 1: Plan Ahead

Ask people in your congregation for stories about your pastor. Ask for both funny and serious stories. Ask them what they appreciate about him or her. Write the stories out on separate pieces of paper.

Once you have your stories, choose an appropriate
scripture passage for your pastor anniversary speech.

Step 2: Create an Outline

You might use an outline similar to this:

I. Introduction
Today we are celebrating the third anniversary of Pastor Smith's first Sunday at our church...

II. Stories that show what kind of person your pastor is.
Jane Johnson reminded me of the time when Pastor Smith ...
Greg Thompson told me that ...
I remember when Pastor Smith ...

III. Tell how your church has been positively affected by your pastor.
When Pastor Smith first arrived here, we were very discouraged ...
When Pastor Smith arrived our attendance was ...
Since Pastor Smith arrived we've been able to expand our children's ministry ...

V. Conclusion
I know I speak for our entire congregation when I say that we are honored to be pastored by a man like Pastor Smith. Our hope and prayer is that our partnership with him will continue for years to come.

Step 3: Practice

Practice your pastor anniversary speech out loud. Rehearse in front of your family or even your dog. Get a feel for how long the speech will last.

Cut out or add a story or two to shorten or lengthen your pastor's anniversary speech.

Step 4: Plan Other Parts of the Service

After your speech you might want to present your pastor with a
pastor appreciation gift. You might even want to include a
skit either before or after your speech.

Then you could conclude with a prayer of commitment and/or a song.

No matter what else is true about your pastor anniversary speech, remember the number one rule.

Be sincere ... be real ... be you.

If you do that, everyone will appreciate your pastor anniversary speech.